Life in prison for drug-related killing of couple

LAKEPORT, Calif. (AP) -- A 32-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole in the slaying of a Maine couple in Northern California.

A Lake County judge issued the sentence against Robby Alan Beasley on Tuesday, saying the manner in which Frank Maddox and his wife, Yvette, were shot three years ago indicated a high degree of viciousness.

Prosecutors say Beasley shot the couple on a rural road turnout and left their bodies at the bottom of an embankment after suspecting they stole marijuana from his apartment.

Beasley, formerly of Augusta, Maine, was convicted of first-degree murder in December.

The Lake County Record-Bee (http://bit.ly/U2lXv5) reports that his attorney has filed a notice of appeal.

Meanwhile, Beasley's alleged accomplice, Elijah Bae McKay, pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact and was granted release from jail.